On the morning of Saturday 6th September… all members of the public wearing a hat in the closed-off area of Bridport’s upper South Street and Millennium Green will automatically be considered in our ‘fun’ hat competitions.

For the best chance of a prize your hat is likely to be decorated or even made from scratch – and if you’re handed one of our ‘your hat has caught our eye’ cards, you go forward to the judging, starting at 1.30pm on the Arts Centre forecourt beside Bucky Doo Square, straight after the mass hatted photo.

NB: the wearing of hats is encouraged not just during the competitions but throughout the duration of the whole Hat Festival!

Best Adults’ & Children’s Hats

Sponsored by Susquehana Hats by John Halifax

Whether your hat is classy or cool, dashing or demure, beautiful, bold or bonkers, our prizes are awarded for the best efforts, so wear your creation with pride! Shortlisting is on-street all morning with judging after the mass photoshoot in Bucky Doo Square at 1pm.

Best Hatted Dog

New last year and back by popular acclaim! Dog judging will take place at Millennium Green – arrive from 11am (or earlier if you wish) with judging at 12 noon.

There are many more categories this year, the prizes for which are all vouchers for use at Animal House who are sponsoring the competitions for Best Hatted… :

Dog/owner combination – £25

Large breed, male / female – £10 each

Small breed, male / female – £10 each

Puppy/junior, male / female – £10 each

Most elegant – £10

Most quirky – £10

Most colourful – £10

Most fun – £10

Mark’s favourite of the day! – £25

All four-legged entrants get a treat box!

NB: Dogs are part of the family, and as long as your dog is happy to wear a hat (which should not interfere with its ability to cool down by panting) it is entitled to join in the fun! However, your dog must be friendly and well-socialised with both people and other dogs – remember that you are responsible for both your dog’s behaviour and its welfare. It’s a good idea to bring some water for your dog too, although we will have water bowls at the Millennium Green. And don’t forget your doggy-doo bags – the Council provide plenty of bins for their disposal! We would remind everyone not to leave dogs unattended in parked vehicles.

Best Hatted Market Trader

New this year! The best hatted Market Trader will receive a £40 gift token, sponsored by the Bridport Market Traders Association.